Cold Weather is Here: Winterizing Golf-Cart Batteries
- Clean and Neutralize the Battery Terminals. Any debris left on the battery terminals turns into a conductive environment, including dust and corrosion.
- Check the Water Levels. ...
- Charge the Battery. ...
- Find an Indoor Storage Area. ...
- Keep Checking Them. ...
- Avoid Stacking. ...
How to winterize your generator?
Cold Weather is Here: Winterizing Golf-Cart Batteries Clean and Neutralize the Battery Terminals. Any debris left on the battery terminals turns into a conductive... Check the Water Levels. Golf cart batteries, including models from the Trojan Battery Company, usually have …
How to winterize your outboard engine?
Be sure to spray it between the batteries, down on the battery racks, and the inside walls of the body panels, if they are metal. Now use an old paintbrush to scour all the nooks and crannies of the battery tops and sides. Use a little extra water if you need. Follow the directions on the bottle in applying and rinsing the Neutralizer.
How do you change batteries in a golf cart?
Batteries will continue to self-discharge, even during periods where they are not used or are being stored away. If you don't disconnect your battery's wires, you may find yourself with a golf cart …
How to winterize your scooter?
A clean cloth, warm water and baking soda is perfect to clean the battery. The baking soda will neutralize any acid corrosion found. Use a 3 parts baking soda to 1 part warm water for best …
How do you winterize a battery powered golf cart?
Preparing Your Golf Car Battery for StorageStart by moving your car wherever it is going to be stored. ... Leave the forward/reverse switch in the neutral position.Depending on your golf car, it will have either a tow/run or a maintenance/run switch. ... Fully charge the battery and water it with distilled water.More items...•
Do you need to winterize an electric golf cart?
An electric golf cart needs to be winterized during the cold months of the year due to the vulnerability of its battery pack to cold temperatures. Low winter temperatures slow down the charge, and discharge rate, of your golf cart batteries.
Does cold weather affect golf cart batteries?
The cold winter months can slow down the rate of charge/discharge on your vehicle, golf cart and equipment batteries. In addition to affecting rates, colder temperatures also carry the risk of freezing the electrolyte if the battery is not stored properly.
Can a electric golf cart be stored outside in winter?
It's not recommended to store a golf cart outside during winter as the extreme cold can freeze the battery cells, causing them damage (sometimes beyond repair). Instead, your cart should be stored in a warm, dry location over the winter to protect it from the elements.
Can electric golf cart batteries freeze?
Yes, golf cart batteries can freeze. There are a few factors that are going to affect how the golf cart battery freezes, and we will help try to explain that. A battery that is not charged is going to freeze at a much higher temperature than a battery that is charged.
How do you store an electric golf cart for 6 months?
7 Tips for Long-Term Golf Cart StorageStep 1: Fully Charge the Battery. The typical golf cart is run by a 6-volt battery. ... Step 2: Disconnect the Battery. ... Step 3: Refill Water Level. ... Step 4: Secure the Cart. ... Step 5: Take Care of The Tires. ... Step 6: Make Sure it's Clean. ... Step 7: Store it in a Secure Place.
What do you do with an electric golf cart in the winter?
You should store your electric golf in a covered dry area, away from any water exposure. A golf cart storage shed would be the best place, but if you don't have a small storage building with a door, make sure you place it under a shelter, and away from where the elements can get to it.
How do you store batteries for the winter?
Winter battery storage checklistCharge the batteries one final time. ... Disconnect the negative cable and wait a few hours before checking specific gravity or voltage. ... Disconnect terminals to remove all electrical loads from your batteries. ... Remove batteries, storing them in a cool, dry place where they won't freeze.More items...•
Can you put a trickle charger on a golf cart?
If you tend to use the golf cart during the warmer months and store it during the winter, pick a trickle charger to make the battery last longer. These chargers connect to the battery over weeks or months at a time. They provide enough power to the battery to keep it charged but without harming the internal components.
How do I winterize my golf cart?
Winter Storage Tips for Your Golf CartClean the vehicle. Before storing, it is imperative that you clean your golf cart, inside and out. ... Drain the fuel. Drain the gas from your cart. ... Perform a full check up. ... Prepare the battery. ... Inflate the tires. ... Ensure the cart won't move. ... Park the vehicle in the proper position.
What is the gravity of a golf cart battery?
Every golf-cart battery should have a specific gravity of 1.265. Use the hydrometer’s probes to verify this value. You’ll know for sure that the charge is perfect for storage.
Why use a trickle charger for golf cart batteries?
Use a trickle charger in order to give the battery a power source without hindering its storage capacity. It’s natural for Trojan and Club Car golf cart batteries to slowly lose some charge over the winter months. Keeping up with maintenance will only save you time in the spring.
Can you charge a Trojan golf cart battery?
Don’t hesitate to charge your Trojan golf cart batteries now. They may have a partial charge, but storing them in this manner will only damage their power output later on. Follow the charging instructions for your system at this point.
Can you add acid to a battery?
Avoid the temptation of overfilling the battery because this action only dilutes the electrolyte, which leads to a decline in charging power. Never add any acid to the battery either. Its electrolytes are perfectly balanced during the manufacturing process.
Can golf cart batteries be discharged in the winter?
With a clean bill of health, golf cart batteries won’t have any conductive pathways to discharge during the winter. In the spring, the battery will be practically ready to go. Corrosion buildup will only cause problems over time.
How to clean battery terminals?
Create a neutralizer with these ingredients, such as: 1 cup baking soda. 1 gallon water. Mix these two items together. Apply it to the battery terminals by using a wire brush. Gently clean off the terminals.
Can golf cart batteries be winterized?
Golf carts zoom about properties across the nation, from gated communities to the actual golf course. They’re perfectly sized for those short trips. As the weather gets colder, however, it’s time to put those small vehicles away. Winterize your golf-cart batteries with help from the experts. It should work like a dream with the right steps in place.
How to store golf cart in winter?
Before storing the golf cart for the winter, ensure the tow switch is set at ‘’tow”. This will relieve the battery of its duties and keep it from draining charge. The ‘’tow” position works to deactivate the cart’s regenerative braking system that drains battery charge when on. If you don’t do this, the battery will slowly drain charge and in a couple of weeks, you’ll have to charge your battery again, or worse, look for the jumper cables. Even a cheap electric golf cart will have this.
How long does it take for a golf cart battery to drain?
Manufacturers, such as Bintelli Electric Vehicle s, provide that a golf cart battery drains 1% of charge every 24 hours. That means your battery will be empty in a little over three months, without even touching it. You might want to charge the battery at regular intervals all through the winter season to ensure the golf cart is always ready to hit the road at a moment’s notice.
What happens if you charge a battery when the electrolyte levels are low?
Ensure the plates are fully submerged in the electrolyte. If you charge your battery when the levels are low, your battery will stop functioning eventually.
What should battery cables be?
Your battery cables should be clean, tightly connected to the terminals and free of corrosion. Corrosion is the battery’s worst enemy. Corroded cables cause resistance that generates enough heat to damage the battery in the long run. If the cable is corroded beyond reprieve, replace them immediately. It’s preferably cheaper to replace the cables rather than wait until the battery gives in.
How to clean a battery terminal?
Make sure the battery is clean: Wash the top and terminals of the battery with a baking soda and water solution (1 cup baking soda per 1 gallon of water). Then rinse solution off, dry, and coat battery terminals with Battery Terminal Protector Spray (Club Car part number 1014305).
What happens when the battery light is off in tow mode?
When in Tow mode, the amber battery warning light will not illuminate. Do not attempt to use the battery light as an indication of battery state while in storage. If AC power is off for 7 days or longer, the OBC will not function or charge the vehicle again until it has been restarted.
How to protect a car from rolling?
To protect the engine, remove the spark plug and pour 1/2 ounce of SAE 10 weight oil into the engine through the spark plug hole. Rotate the crankshaft by hand several times, and then install the spark plug. Do not engage the park brake, but secure the car from rolling.
How much pressure should I inflate my tires?
Properly inflate tires to 18 to 20 psi.
What happens if a charger is not plugged in?
If the charger cannot remain plugged in, AC power will not be available during extended storage, or electrolyte levels will not be maintained, then disconnect the batteries for storage.
Can you check electrolyte level on a fully charged battery?
Only check electrolyte level on a fully charged battery.
How to drain battery in golf car?
If your golf car is an electric RXV, make sure the 'Run/Tow' switch is set to the 'Run/Storage' position. Remember, if it's left in the 'Tow" position , it will continue to drain the batteries over time. If it's an electric TXT, such as this gorgeous orange E-Z-Go model, you'll want to look for the "Tow/Maintenance/Storage" position. In both vehicles, you'll find the switch you need under the passenger seat.
How long can you leave a golf cart in the garage?
Parking your golf cart in a storage shed or garage and leaving it alone for up to three months will likely end with a golf cart that just won't start come spring.
Can you put away a golf cart in winter?
If you're the type to put away your golf cart or ATV for winter storage, there are a few steps you'll need to take to ensure that your battery stays in peak condition, even if you're not heading out on the course or into the woods during the colder months. We've spoken before about winterizing your ATV, but we haven't really taken a close look ...
Do golf cart batteries self discharge?
Before leaving your golf cart, ensure that the battery is clean, fully charged, and has been disconnected from any source of electrical drain. Batteries will continue to self-discharge, even during periods where they are not used or are being stored away. If you don't disconnect your battery's wires, you may find yourself with a golf cart battery ...
How long do golf cart batteries last?
Depends on how well you maintain your battery, golf cart batteries should last you 5 years on average. Expect greater life if you keep the terminal contacts clean, and keep it charging as much as possible when not in use.
When to start preparing golf cart storage?
Fall is a critical time to start preparing the storage of golf cart for the coming winter months ahead. A small amount of cleaning and maintenance is required in order for your cart to survive being locked up in the freezing winter conditions.
Why do tires deflate on a cart?
You’ll want the tires inflated as high as allowable, in order to protect your wheels. Remember that your cart will be sitting stationary for a few months, therefore your tires will naturally deflate due to the weight of the cart itself.
How much pressure should I put on my tires?
Your tires will need to inflated between 15-25 PSI, but check your owners manual for the correct amount of pressure. Alternatively, check the side of your tires, and you can probably find the correct PSI number written on them. You’ll want the tires inflated as high as allowable, in order to protect your wheels.
Is my electric golf cart ready for winter?
If you’ve made it this far, congratulations. Your electric golf cart is now ready to be stored over the winter break. We have now checked and maintained all the important parts of your cart. We have also performed all the steps to optimize our battery and ensure it’s going to perform well once the spring and summer months arrive.
Do you have to clean a golf cart?
Just like washing your car, washing a golf cart is much the same. You’ll want to clean both the outside and inside of your cart. Remember moisture will be produced during storage. Any markings will worsen under extreme temperatures. Therefore everything must be cleaned, to ensure optimal life of your cart.
Can a golf cart rust in the winter?
Winters especially in the US, can reach extremely cold temperatures. If not careful, moisture from the cooler weather can cause havoc on your golf cart. The moisture from rain, ice and snow will exacerbate the amount of rusting if the issue isn’t taken care of beforehand.
How to charge a golf cart battery?
Fill all of the battery cells to the proper levels. Remove the battery tops and use distilled water to raise the water levels in the battery cells to cover the plates. Electrolyte levels in your golf cart batteries are critical, especially when cold weather hits and you need to maintain a full charge to prevent damage from freezing temperatures. ...
What is a golf cart?
Golf carts are also known as golf cars. The term "cart", in its purest sense, refers to a vehicle that does not travel under its own power. Golf cars, however, are most commonly referred to as golf...
How to clean battery terminals?
Clean the battery terminals posts using 2 tablespoons of baking soda mixed with a 1 quart of water. Use a wire scratch brush to remove the larger deposits. Keep any of the baking soda water from entering the battery. Rinse the battery thoroughly dry with a paper towel. 2.
How do batteries self discharge?
Batteries need to be dry and cleaned of any corrosion and dirt. Batteries can self-discharge by a small trickle of current slowly discharging your batteries through conductive debris.
What to do if your battery freezes?
First, bring the battery inside and thaw it out, then hook it to an automotive charger that is equipped with clamps to put on the terminals.
What is the difference between a fully charged and uncharged battery?
An uncharged battery has a much higher freeze point than a charged battery. A fully charged battery has a freezing point around -80 °F while a discharged battery has a freezing point around 20 °F. Electrolyte expansion during cold weather can crack the battery case, causing complete battery failure.
What is a tow/run switch on a golf cart?
The Tow/Run switch is only installed on a golf car with a separately excited motor that produces regenerative braking. This uses a small amount of power even when the key is off and can take a full charge If your cart has this switch, Set it to “Tow” and set the parking brake.
